Effects of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes on Cisplatin Sensitivity in Pediatric Brain Cancer Cells

Abstract

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are lethal pediatric brain tumors that can resist chemotherapy and be influenced by their microenvironment. Astrocytes are the key components of the brain tumor microenvironment and can support tumor growth. We investigated the effects of astrocytes on cisplatin sensitivity in pediatric brain cancer cells. The crosstalk between astrocytes and cancer cells activated astrocytes and promoted cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, the tumor cells expressed elevated levels of drug resistance genes in the presence of astrocytes. In conclusion, astrocytes can significantly improve the growth of these tumor cells and modulate their chemosensitivity, highlighting their role in therapeutic resistance.